Barriers Preventing Medical Trainees from Active Participation in Research Activities.

Background: Research has increasingly become important to career progression and a compulsory component in most medical programs. While medical trainees are consistently urged to undertake research endeavors, they frequently encounter obstacles at both personal and organizational levels that impede the pursuit of high-quality research. This study aims to identify the barriers and recommend successful interventions to increase research productivity amongst medical trainees. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among interns, residents, and fellows within a single hospital located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The survey included inquiries regarding perceived obstacles hindering engagement in research activities, factors driving motivation for research involvement, and the assessment of how research participation relates to their job in terms of relevance. Results: Fifty-seven medical trainees participated in the survey, reflecting a response rate of 53%. The survey highlighted common obstacles, notably including time constraints, insufficient statistical and methodology training, the weight of other educational commitments, as well as inadequate incentives and rewards. While a majority of participants expressed interest in engaging in research activities, the consensus was that more incentives and increased funding opportunities would significantly encourage their involvement. Conclusion: Implementing successful interventions such as allocating dedicated time for research, facilitating access to research mentors, and organizing training sessions have the potential to be effective strategies in fostering a thriving research culture and subsequently elevating research productivity of medical trainees.

A Case Report of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy Misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis.

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare genetic disorder due to a NOTCH 3 mutation on chromosome 19 resulting in a small vessel disease that may mimic many other neurological disorders like migraine, stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), dementia and psychiatric illnesses. The disease is confirmed by genetic testing and other investigations like MRI and skin biopsy are also helpful. Here, we present a 43-year-old male with a confirmed CADASIL through genetic testing, who was initially diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis due to recurrent attacks of focal neurological deficits in the form of weakness and vertigo and other progressive features like mental slowing and difficulties in performing the usual tasks at work, He had a strong family history of neurological illnesses from his mother's side that made us think of an alternative diagnosis.